Dairy Farmers of Canada

Creamy Chicken Orzo

Whip up a comforting bowl of creamy chicken orzo, a simple yet satisfying dish that brings together tender chicken, hearty orzo pasta and a creamy sauce for a cozy meal any day of the week.

By Andrea , Dairy Farmer, New Brunswick
  • Prep: 15 minutes 
  • Cooking: 35 minutes 
  • Total: 50 minutes
Yields 4 to 6 
Creamy Chicken Orzo

Ingredients

  • 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
  • ½ tsp (2 mL) salt (approx.), divided
  • ½ tsp (2 mL) black pepper (approx.), divided
  • 2 tbsp (30 mL) Canadian butter
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 1 tbsp (15 mL) minced garlic
  • 1 cup (250 mL) dried orzo pasta
  • 1 cup (250 mL) packed baby spinach
  • 1 cup (250 mL) halved grape tomatoes
  • 1 cup (250 mL) drained oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
  • 2 cups (500 mL) chicken broth
  • 1 cup (250 mL) half-and-half (10%) Canadian cream
  • 1 tsp (5 mL) dried oregano
  • 1 tsp (5 mL) dried thyme
  • 1 cup (250 mL) grated Canadian Parmesan cheese
  • Fresh basil for garnish
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Preparation

Season chicken with ¼ tsp (1 mL) salt and ¼ tsp (1 mL) pepper.

In large saucepan or Dutch oven set over medium-high heat, melt butter. Cook chicken, flipping once, for 12 to 16 minutes or until golden brown and cooked through. Transfer to plate.

In the same saucepan, cook onion, stirring occasionally, for 2 to 3 minutes or until softened. Add garlic and cook, stirring occasionally, for 1 to 2 minutes or until fragrant.

Stir in orzo, spinach, grape tomatoes and sun-dried tomatoes. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 2 to 3 minutes or until spinach wilts and tomatoes soften.

Pour in broth and cream, and season with oregano and thyme. Stir to combine. Return chicken to saucepan. Bring mixture to a simmer, then reduce heat to low. Cover and let simmer, stirring occasionally, for 10 to 12 minutes or until orzo is cooked through and sauce has thickened.

Stir in Parmesan until melted and well combined. Season with salt and pepper to taste and top with basil.

Tips

If desired, add 1 cup (250 mL) fresh or frozen peas with the thyme in Step 5. 

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